National Free Flight Society

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SEN 3055

  1. Splitting hairs or when someone else winds matters
  2. Are we having fun yet?
  3. First Fab Feb award …
  4. Fab Feb Info
  5. Kiwi F1E Cup at Fab feb , Detailed info.

Splitting hairs or when someone else winds matters

Aram Schlosberg

The basic argument to wind your motors is that one knows their motors better than anyone else. It conforms with the requirement that the flier has to wind his motors and launch their model.
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B is the oldest free flight event. Historically, motors were wound directly into the model held by an assistant. Later blast tubes were added to protect the model if the motor blew. But once half tubes were introduced, winding and models were decoupled. (In flyoffs I used to fully wind two motors and use the one that was better wound when winding was not required in the 7-minute flyoff window.)
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Conceptually, under a time squeeze (flying at the end of the round or in a flyoff), having another person wind a backup motor on a half tube could matter if the motor blows in the first model or in the case of an attempt.
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There are rumors that someone else winding a backup motor actually occurred in important contests. This is a clear case justifying a timer’s refusal to time a model if it’s OBSERVED by the timer or an official.
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Also, a good practice for the last pole flier in a regular round is to wind two motors – to be on the safe side. ///

Are we having fun yet?

From: Michael Achterberg

Hello.   Who has ever had someone else wind their motor? Everyone knows this! But some timer would call that on someone at a contest. Really??  Didn’t realize there was so many flyers cheating. That seems to be the opinion of some. Then we should require timer have certified scale and every motor be weighed before timer follows modeler to his stooge and watch him or her load bobbin and put in half tube before winding. Lets get really anal! OMG… As for flyoff round time do whatever, but motors blow up or break strands alot of times. Even for the most experience flyer. A strand break from a knick or manufacturing error or a strained knot that got frayed. S..t happens.  The round time shortened and it does take 2+ minutes to wind and load motor, hub and get to line all eats time up more than people think. You get to the line with no issues winding with maybe 5 min left. But if blown motor in stooge your looking at 3+ minutes. Not exactly fair to all contestants. Now, I would rather see the Technical committee allow winding before round starts. Who really cares? Winding 10 minutes before round opens isn’t an advantage by any standard. Always thought that flying and competing was supposed to be fun… A chance to visit with friends from all over the world and discuss ideas and have fun. Didn’t know that stress was part of the fun.

My bad.

Dino


First Fab Feb award …

Goes to Mike Roberts, Mike was first person enter after the SEN was sent out announcing the availability. He beat Shmuel Kuflik by 19 minutes 37 seconds. Larry Norvall was in third place.

Suitable award for Mike at Lost Hills.

 

Fab Feb Info

If you are a FF supplier who will be at Fab Feb you can send us an announcement/advertisement for inclusion in an upcoming and put on the web site with other Fab Feb info.

KIWI – NEW ZEALAND – F1E WORLD CUP
FEBRUARY 13, 2023 (MONDAY)
THE 22st F1E ISAACSON WINTER CLASSIC
LOST HILLS, CALIFORNIA

PLACE: Holloway Hill, 1.5 miles SE of Bissonette Mirage Field parking
GPS coordinates 35.655°N, 119.787°W.
SCHEDULE: Five (5) 50-minute rounds with 10 minute breaks
9:00 am Arrival on Holloway Hill
1st Round   10:00 – 10.50
2nd Round  11:00 – 11:50
3rd Round  12:00 – 12:50
4th Round  13:00 – 13:50
5th Round  14:00 – 14:50
Fly-off to be announced

AWARDS: 1st through 3rd place awards after completion of contest
EVENT DIRECTOR F1E KIWI CUP: Peter Brocks    brocksarizona@cox.net
HEAD JURIST F1E KIWI CUP: Will be announced before start of contest
ENTRY FEE: $35.00 FAI Senior, $10.00 Junior
ONLINE ENTRY: https://forms.gle/taQkhBnxQbivf6Qk7
NOTE: FAI License and AMA membership is required.
2023 FAI Sporting Code will apply.
Timers will not be provided. Please team up for timing – time one, fly one.
This is an America’s Cup contest.
In case of inclement weather the Reserve Day is Feb.14 or this contest will be held
as soon as feasible.
COVID-19 mitigation requirements will be in effect.
HOLLOWAY HILL: This hill was made from overburden when excavating gypsum from the pit. The vertical distance from the hill to the pit floor is approx. 34m (111ft). For F1E competitors parking near the flight line is possible.

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…………..
Roger Morrell